Family Health Tips is a collective of Professionals and bloggers that do wellness - family style.

Sep 15 3 Reasons Nature Makes Your Kids Smarter

Children around the world are migrating indoors. American kids spend more than 7 hours daily watching screens and a mere 7 minutes playing outside. In developed countries worldwide, 1 out of every 3 children spends less than 30 minutes outside daily. Our global society has never been more disconnected from the natural world.We are beginning to see the effects of this mass migration in our children and kids health, and specifically their minds. Research shows that nature can boost our kids academically while also mitigating the symptoms of attention often seen in disorders like ADHD.

1. Nature can Boost Critical Thinking

Researchers analyzed test scores for 400 students, grades 9-12, in 11 Florida high schools. Some of these students were exposed to "Environment as an Integrating Context for Learning" programs. Those students who participated in these nature programs scored significantly higher on the Cornell Critical Thinking Test (Ernst & Monroe, 2004).

2. Nature Positively Influences Standardized Test Scores

One study compared the standardized test scores of 77 pairs of demographically comparable schools. Half of the schools integrated environmental education while the other half did not. Students from the environmental education “nature” schools scored higher in math, reading, writing, and listening (Bartosh, 2003).

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3. Nature Reduces Symptoms Associated with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is more prevalent than it's ever been before, with an estimated 4.5 million children aged 5-17 diagnosed with the disorder. From 1997-2006, diagnoses of ADHD increased 3% every year. And it's expected that $36-$52 billion dollars are spent annually on the disorder, providing a very challenging situation for our health care system and families.

One study looked at children's behaviors by having their parents and teachers fill out questionnaires. Related to outdoor time and ADHD behaviors. They also measured the amount of green and blue space the students were exposed to using satellite data. According to parents, children who spent more time playing outdoors were less hyperactive/inattentive, had more positive emotions, and better peer relationships. For children who had more greenness around their homes, parents reported less hyperactivity/inattention, more positive emotions, better peer relationships, fewer conduct problems, and more pro-social behaviors. According to teacher observations, children who had “greenness” within 100 meters of their home had fewer ADHD symptoms; specifically, these children were more attentive (Amoly et al., 2014).

Let me be clear, a lack of nature isn't the sole cause of ADHD, neither is it the only solution. However, some studies provide evidence that time in nature can help mitigate and even eliminate some of the symptoms of this disorder.

There is scientific evidence that nature can help develop your children's mind. Here, I present research specifically on academic scores and ADHD, however, other components of the "mind" could be included. If you have any questions, join our Facebook group “Nature Challenge” and post it there! I'd love to help!

As a mom, I know the struggle of getting kids outside and engaged with nature. Pulling them away from the screen. What to actually DO when you’re out there. Sometimes it feels impossible to just get out the door. But after working as a nature guide, biologist, and researching the human/nature relationship for 10 years, I’ve learned that there is a recipe we can follow.

This recipe can improve our children’s health and well-being (and our own!), help us reduce the stress and overwhelm that comes with planning outdoor activities, and help our children develop a love for the land.

Check out my eBook,Reuniting Children with Nature, Nature’s Guide to Happier & Healthier Kids,to learn how nature can benefit your family and easy strategies for getting your kids into nature.

If you have any questions about getting your kids outside, I’d love to help you!Dr. Jenny

As a mom, I know the struggle of getting kids outside and engaged with nature. Pulling them away from the screen. What to actually DO when you’re out there. Sometimes it feels impossible to just get out the door. But after working as a nature guide, biologist, and researching the human/nature relationship for 10 years, I’ve learned that there is a recipe we can follow.

This recipe can improve our children’s health and well-being (and our own!), help us reduce the stress and overwhelm that comes with planning outdoor activities, and help our children develop a love for the land.

Check out my eBook,Reuniting Children with Nature, Nature’s Guide to Happier & Healthier Kids,to learn how nature can benefit your family and easy strategies for getting your kids into nature.

If you have any questions about getting your kids outside, I’d love to help you!Dr. Jenny